Richard T. Knoth

Richard T. Knoth “AKA: Papa, Tweety & RTK American” age 71, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, February 12, 2018 after a long-courageous battle with cancer.

He was born January 12, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to Susiana Marie Langlois & Alvin George Knoth who preceded him in death along with his sister Susin Schmitz.

Richard lived a life of service to others.  He served in the US Army and loved being a Detroit Firefighter. While there, he brought great joy visiting sick children as a clown as well as performed at many charity events.  He was also known for his precise butchering skills and painting, operating his own successful business, Paint Pushers.  In his semi-retirement, he was the owner of The Village Market (AKA The Cheese Shoppe) in Roscommon, MI, ANEW Professional Steam Services in Dunedin, FL and Little Blessings Daycare in Gaylord, MI. He was also a proud volunteer for the Otsego Lake Township Fire Department.

Papa lived his life to the fullest by simple pleasures; helping out friends, cooking for family, hunting, fishing and teaching his grandkids how to butcher a deer.  He would give anyone the shirt off his back.  He also LOVED his slot machines, which he got from his mother.  Papa/Rich had an uncanny ability to make people laugh no matter what the circumstance.

He is survived by his bride of 18 years Nancy Knoth and Mother-in-law Joan Charboneau.  His children Kimberly Langley (Chris), Kathryn Knoth, Jennifer Caverson (Jason), Charles McClerren (Sarah), Kristina McClerren, Melissa Greif (Tony) & Jonathan McClerren (Emily).  Niece Robin Opp (Kurt), Nephew Wayne Johnson (Lori). Sister & Brother-in-laws: Marylou & Larry Erickson, Sue & Mike Thibodeau, Skip & Ann Berry. Grandchildren: Morgan & Matthew Langley, Connor Shinholser, Jesse “Guido”, Gracie & Gage Caverson, Holly Greif, Savannah & Charlie McClerren, Jacob Aiello & Grace McKelvey, and Collin McClerren along with many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.

Family, Friends and others whose lives Richard “Papa” touched are invited to the Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 850 North Center Ave., Gaylord, MI from 11am-12:00 noon on Saturday, February 17, 2018 followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon.  A luncheon will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 515 S. Wisconsin Ave., Gaylord, MI  to reminisce, grieve, support each other and of course, just chat and enjoy each others company.

In lieu of flowers those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the family  or Otsego County United Way TACKLE fund.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com